Best of the Fests: Our Roundup of Summertime Festivals Should Help Your Calendar

Summer can be more accurately called “festival season” around Northeast Ohio. We like our fests, and we lather up the calendar with a wide-ranging host of fun, multi-day events. There’s something for everybody out there, but, we know, it can get a bit overwhelming as you’re trying to plan out the months ahead. Here’s a tidy list of the best of the best this summer, so you can choose how to maximize your fun. Dark Star Jubilee 2016: Thornville, May 27-29

The 5th annual Legend Valley Dark Star Jubilee is back in Thornville this summer for three days full of music and camping. Featuring Hot Tuna Electric, Leftover Salmon, The Wailers and Hot Tuna Acoustic to name a few, you won’t want to miss these great bands as well as the opportunity to see fire spinners, crowd performers and the chance to engage in hippie individual and group activities. 3-Day GA Tickets are $139. (Danielle Immerman)

Nelsonville Music Festival 2016: Nelsonville, June 2-5

The middle-of-nowhere town of Nelsonville, Ohio becomes an indie music mecca one weekend a year for Nelsonville Music Festival, and this year’s lineup is sure to draw as big a crowd as ever. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” singer-songwriter Randy Newman is set to headline, and he’ll be supported by some of the biggest underground names of the past few years — expect relative megastars Mac DeMarco and Courtney Barnett to draw quite the crowd. Single day tickets start at $50, and weekend passes are $140 for non-Nelsonville residents. (Eli Shively)

Spring Badfish 2016: Nelson Ledges, June 3-5

Sublime-tribute band Badfish is returning to the Quarry for another legendary two-night performance on Friday and Saturday, June 3rd and 4th along with several other phenomenal bands. In addition to the amazing live music, you’ll enjoy hiking, biking, camping, cliff diving, sunbathing and more. If you love summer and if you love music, then Spring Badfish is not to be missed. Tickets are $45-75. (Immerman)

Classic Fest: Nelson Ledges, June 10-12

As one of Nelson Ledges’ most popular shows of the year, Classic Fest will no doubt be a weekend to remember. Featuring Pink Floyd tribute band Several Species, Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir, Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction and many more, you’ll leave Classic Fest with a greater appreciation and love for classic rock. Tickets are $45-75. (Immerman)

The Claypool Lennon Delirium: Nelson Ledges, June 17-19

Les Claypool of Primus and John Lennon’s son, Sean Lennon, are not only releasing their debut album The Claypool Lennon Delirium, but they’re also scheduled to perform live at Nelson Ledges. Not only will you be able to enjoy amazing music, but you’ll also be able to camp, hike, swim, cliff dive and more. What could be better than classic summer fun and amazing live music? Tickets are $50-90. (Immerman)

Clifton Art and Musicfest: Cleveland, June 18

Set in Cleveland’s Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood, the Clifton Arts and Musicfest features both fine art and live music in a classic street festival format. A juried art exhibition is the festival’s centerpiece, offering a venue for artists around the country to display their work as well as an opportunity to win a cash prize. Not only will art and music draw the focus of nearly 40,000 annual festival-goers, but the pride, history, and diversity of the Cleveland area as well. (Immerman)

Random Hero Festival II: Cleveland Agora, June 20

Celebrating the life of Ryan Dunn, Random Hero Festival II will feature Mushroomhead, CKY, Bam Margera’s Fuckface Unstoppable and Backwoods Playback. For fans of hard rock and metal, you won’t want to miss this night full of great live music. Tickets are $25. (Immerman)

Waterloo Arts Fest: Cleveland, June 25

Set in Cleveland’s vibrant Waterloo Road neighborhood, the free Waterloo Arts Fest offers an annual arts and music experience for all ages. Food trucks, musicians, and art vendors will all be present for an event that truly celebrates all things local. (Shively)

Grateful Fest 2016 with Willie Nelson & Kris Kristopherson: Nelson Ledges, July 1-4

Celebrate the fourth of July the right way with amazing live performances by Willie Nelson, Kristopherson, Keller Williams and Melvin Seals to name a few. You won’t want to miss this phenomenal weekend of live music. Tickets are $150. (Immerman)

Red, White and Brew Music Festival: Cleveland, July 4

The Cleveland Aquarium in the Flats will be celebrating the Fourth this year in true Cleveland fashion: Fireworks, craft beer, and great local music are the main attractions at the fifth annual Red, White and Brew fest. Headlining the waterfront stage will be Cloud Nothings, a hometown punk act that’s earned national acclaim for their excellent LPs Attack on Memory and Here and Nowhere Else. A variety of food trucks will also be present at the event, and the Aquarium will be open during the festival from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $14 for kids, and $75 for VIP. (Shively)

LOVE FEST Music Festival: Chardon, July 9

This free fest held in Chardon Square features both locally and nationally known rock, folk, psych, and more. It also boasts a drum circle, interactive art exhibits, tie dye and performances from the winners of their teen songwriting contest. Toronto alt-folk septet Beams will headline.(Shively)

LaureLive 2016: Cleveland, June 11-12

Branded as Northeast Ohio’s first and only multi-day, multi-stage and multi-act contemporary music festival, LaureLive is kicking off its inaugural year with two days full of music, art, food and fun. What some might consider a small-scale Lollapalooza, LaureLive is bringing in internationally acclaimed acts like Grace Potter, O.A.R, Andy Grammer, Elle King and Ra Ra Riot to name a few. If you’re a fan of rock, pop or alternative music, then you won’t want to miss this. Single day tickets are $65, full-weekend general admission is $115, full-weekend VIP is $400.(Immerman)

Jamboree in the Hills: Belmont, July 14-17

For over 36 years, fans of country music have flocked to the rolling hills of eastern Ohio to take part in this four-day outdoor music festival. With wild contests and activities beginning the prior Monday, the campground eventually turns into a 25 hour live music extravaganza featuring some of the best names in country music. This year fans will be treated to performances by Kid Rock, Brad Paisley, Easton Corbin, Tyler Farr and Jake Owen to name a few. Tickets are $75-235. (Immerman)

Agumboot Music Festival: Cleveland, July 15

Backed by a community crowdfunding campaign, AGUMBOOT is an indie-alternative summer music festival. Welcoming emerging artists from across the United States, the festival will be hosted on the coastline of Cleveland on Friday, July 15th, so mark your calendar if you’re a fan of indie and alternative music. Lineup and tickets will be available soon. (Immerman)

PromoWest Fest 2016: Columbus, July 15-17

Columbus-based PromoWest Productions are offering up what’s perhaps the most stacked lineup of the summer for their inaugural music fest. There’s truly something for everyone here: Indie lovers won’t want to miss The Flaming Lips or Modest Mouse, hip-hop heads will lose their minds to Snoop Dogg and Mac Miller, and punk rock fans will be stoked to see Brand New and lower-bill standouts The World is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die. Looks like Ohio finally has their answer to bigger, out of state fests like Bonnaroo and Firefly. Single day tickets are $79, full-weekend passes are $179, and VIP passes are $389. (Shively)

Alternative Press Music Awards: Columbus, July 18

Cleveland-based music magazine, Alternative Press, is sponsoring its third awards show this summer in Columbus. The past two awards shows featured performances by Sum 41, Weezer, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Panic! At the Disco and All Time Low to name a few, so this year the lineup will no doubt be just as amazing. A Day To Remember are set to headline the show hosted, for the second time, by Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat of All Time Low. With music that will leave your ears pleasantly ringing for days and two hosts that will crack jokes that you’ll always remember, the Alternative Press Music Awards are perfect for those of you who love to laugh and love to have your minds and ears blown by some seriously good punk and post-harcore music. Tickets are $35-90. (Immerman)

Vans Warped Tour: Blossom Music Center, July 20

Vans Warped Tour presented by Journeys is back for its twenty-first summer and it’s better than ever. Fans of punk, rock, alternative rock and metalcore will love this year’s lineup; featuring Sum 41, Good Charlotte, Crown the Empire, Falling in Reverse, Yellowcard, Sleeping with Sirens, The Maine and The Summer Set to name a few, you’ll be sprinting from stage to stage in order to catch every band performing at Blossom Music Center on Warped Tour’s stop in Cleveland. Tickets are $50. (Immerman)

Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival 2016: Columbus, July 20-23

A true benefit festival with volunteer performers, MACC’s annual bluegrass fest has helped raise over $875,000 to help children worldwide. The proceeds from this year’s event will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The four day fest features camping as well as a variety of bluegrass acts from around the country playing on multiple stages. Tickets are $40 per day, or $110 for all four days. Reduced multi-day ticket prices are available before July 13th. (Eli)

Gathering of the Juggalos: Thornville, July 20-23

Woop woop! The definitive Insane Clown Posse fan experience is set to return to Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio for the third year in a row. Whether you’re fond of makeup-clad rappers or obscure cultural experiences, this year’s Gathering of the Juggalos won’t disappoint. A variety of Psychopathic Records Artists, including ICP themselves, will be performing, in addition to world-famous acts like GWAR, Suicide Silence, and Tech N9ne. With arguably the world’s most passionate community of fans all together in one place for a single weekend, all hell (and every 2-liter of Faygo within a ten mile radius) is pretty much guaranteed to break loose. Tickets are $180 for entrance to the fest, with car and RV passes going for $100 and $160, respectively. (Shively)

ALIVE Festival: Mineral City, July 20-23

Featuring Switchfoot, Skillet, Casting Crowns and For King & Country to name a few, ALIVE Festival 2016 will be full of phenomenal live music. Set in Atwood Lake Park & Amphitheater, ALIVE is surrounded by beautiful campgrounds, paved roads and an amazing beach, all of which go into shaping a unique festival-going experience. Tickets are $38-110. (Danielle)

Midwest Mardi Gras 2016: Nelson Ledges, July 22-24

Craving the sights and sounds of N’awlins but stuck up north? Midwest Mardi Gras is a fest designed especially for such a phenomenon. Featuring performers from the real Mardi Gras, including Dumpstaphunk, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Wild Magnolias, this weekend of music and partying provides the full down-south experience just a few hours outside of Cleveland. Tickets start at $45 presale and $55 at the gate, and ages 4-14 get in for just $10. Kids under 3 are free. (Shively)

Jazz & Rib Fest: Columbus, July 22-24

A citywide summer tradition, the Columbus Parks & Rec department’s annual Jazz & Rib fest has been serving up “cool jazz and hot ribs” for over 20 years. Located along the beautiful Scioto river, festival patrons can experience the music of acclaimed local and national jazz acts or sample barbecue from dozens of vendors as they compete for the coveted “Best Ribs” title. Admission is free. (Shively)

Whispering Sun Summer Jam Music and Arts Festival: Pataskala, July 22-24

Held on the beautiful Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio, the Whispering Sun Summer Jam is set to welcome jam band and EDM fans from all corners of the state. Larry Keel, ekoostik hookah, and Glostik Willy are the fest’s top-billing acts. Non-music activities include visual and performance artists, workshops, and a disc golf tournament. Weekend passes start at $70 and include camping. (Shively)

2×2 Hip-Hop Festival: Columbus, July 23

Marketing itself as a “family friendly hip-hop festival,” 2×2 in Columbus is a can’t-miss event for lovers of the genre and the culture that surrounds it. A DJ battle, graffiti artists, bboys/bgirls, and live hip-hop on multiple stages drew almost 1,000 people to the first edition of the fest last year, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger 2016. Mickey Factz, Red Pill, Animal Crackers, ill poetic and many more are all set to perform. Tickets are $10, and kids 12 and under get in free. (Shively)

Midwest Reggae Festival: Canton, July 29-30

2016 marks the 25th annual Midwest Reggae Fest at Clay’s Park in Canton. With a killer lineup in the works, you won’t want to miss these two days of Bob Marley-esque fun. Tickets will be available for purchase soon. (Immerman)

Warehouse District Street Festival: Cleveland, August 2

This free street festival will feature performances from The Classics, Custard Pie, The School of Rock’s Rock Apocalypse and more. Food from the district’s restaurants and bars, art exhibits, street performers and a Cleveland’s Cutest Dog Contest will also be at the event. (Shively)

Weapons of Mass Creation Fest: Cleveland, August 5-7

Held annually in Playhouse Square, Weapons of Mass Creation calls itself “the premier design and entrepreneurship conference in the Midwest,” and its argument is pretty convincing. Featuring workshops, speakers, and live podcasts broadcasted directly from the State Theatre lobby, the type of “working class creative” the fest is catered to will feel right at home. Single day tickets are $70, and full-weekend passes start at $100.(Shively)

Cuyahoga County Fair: Berea, August 8-14

An event that’s become a tradition for many Clevelanders is set to return to the Berea fairgrounds in August — that’s right, the Cuyahoga County Fair. Fair-goers pretty much know what to expect: Food, livestock, motorsports and circus-esque performances will all be here in spades, not to mention fireworks. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 4-12. (Shively)

Great Lakes Burning River Festival: Whiskey Island, August 26-27

Since 2001, people from all over the Great Lakes region have come together to remember the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River and celebrate the renewed sense of eco-consciousness that the infamous fire ignited. This year, Burning River Fest invites people to celebrate Cleveland’s historic Coast Guard Station with live music (lineup TBA), amazing local food and beer. Dance, eat, drink and relish one of Cleveland’s most historic monuments later this summer. Tickets will be available soon. (Immerman)

This article appears in May 25-31, 2016.